The Top Five Best Golf Courses in Algarve, Portugal
Algarve, the southernmost region of Portugal, is exceptionally well-known for a number of things – their beaches, sandy coves, five-star villas, and more. But when it comes to golf courses, they definitely peak as one of the best locations in the world.
Whether you’re planning a trip for business or leisure, you simply won’t make the most of your time in this coastal destination without having tried one or more of these best golf courses in Algarve.
1. Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course
Course Type: 18-hole golf course
Payment: £142 for 18 holes
Time to Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course from Faro Airport: 23 minutes (25.9km))
Accommodation near Vilamoura Victoria Golf Course: Antatara Vilamoura Algarve Resort
A pristine golf course in Vilamoura, Algarve, this course has 18 holes and a par of 72. It opened its door in 2004 and is now considered one of the most sophisticated golf courses in Europe. It’s also home to the European Tour Portugal Masters since 2007.
This golf course isn’t very hilly, making it a smooth yet long course. It has adequately-sized fairways and greens, and is suitable for all ages and genders. It’s surrounded by gorgeous lakes, and olive and almond trees, making it not only a great golf course in Algarve but also, a beautiful one.
Another great perk of this golf course is that they have many attractive offers. A game of 18 holes will cost you £142 but if you’d prefer an all-you-can-play game, you can pay £92 and enjoy the course as you like from 15.20 p.m. to 16.30 p.m. And if you book three plus rounds, you will receive an 18% discount, depending on the time of year.
They also offer golf lessons by a professional, so that’s something to think about if you’re new to the golfing game or feel like a brushing up on your skills.
2. Gramacho Golf Course
Course Type: 27-hole golf course
Payment: £72 for 18 holes
Time to Gramacho Golf Course from Faro Airport: 60 minutes (68 km)
Accommodation near Gramacho Golf Course: Pestana Golf Resort
Founded in 1991, Gramacho Golf Course in Algarve can be found in the Carvoeiro region. It has 27 different greens, making it an excellent place to experience different conditions such as bunkers, boulders and trees.
It’s considered one of the best golf courses in Algarve and has a par 72 course. It is quite a short course, in great condition, but don’t let that fool you into believing that it’s any easy course. In fact, it is exceedingly hilly and may be a little challenging for those who aren’t very fit.
In fact, one user commented: “Enjoyable holiday golf, not too difficult, but some challenging holes,” – so watch out for those.
This golf course also shows off a score of 8/10 from recent visitors, and has reception facilities, a pro shop, locker rooms, buggies, a club house with restaurant, and a driving range.
Here, you can also request a lesson or two from a professional golfer. And if you’re hoping to bring your little one along, there is a junior section for those 16 and under.
In terms of payment, you can expect to pay £72 for 18 holes.
3. Onyria Palmares Golf Course
Course Type: 27-hole golf course
Time to Onyria Palmares Golf Course from Faro Airport: 65 minutes (81.7 km)
Accommodation near Onyria Palmares Golf Course: Onyria Palmares Beach House Hotel
This ocean-view golf course in Algarve first opened in the 1970’s. Since, it has transformed into an even more spectacular spot for golf-enthusiasts. With over 90% of the course showing off sea views, you can enjoy the sport and a bit of nature.
It is a 27-hole golf course that has been described as quite challenging, despite the gorgeous views, as it was reconstructed by Robert Trent Jones II with “the highest level of international tournament golf in mind”.
This golf course in Algarve has been given an average rating of 4.1. out of 5, with golfers being quite impressed. Some comments from visitors include:
“Breath-taking, must-play course,” and “nice to play due to lovely sea views and a real links golf group of holes down by the beach and dunes.”
The golf course itself has a club house, a driving range, and several pitching and putting greens to encourage your very best game.
One handy tip: consider renting a buggy, as the course has many hills with long distances between holes.
4. San Lorenzo Golf Course
Course Type: 18-hole golf course
Payment: £122 for full 18-holes
Time to San Lorenzo Golf Course from Faro Airport: 20 minutes (18.4 km)
Accommodation near San Lorenzo Golf Course: Dona Filipa Hotel and Formosa Park Apartment Hotel.
This 18-hole golf course in Algarve opened its doors in 1988 and since has been a favourite for locals and tourists alike. It has a par of 72, and you can expect to pay £122 for the full 18 holes.
Interestingly, San Lorenzo Golf Course is considered one of the most beautiful golf courses in Europe, and has won awards for its facilities. And despite each and every hole offering exquisite views, the final hole is the one that may just take your breath away.
At the location, you have access to a club house, a pro golf shop, storage facilities, a driving range, a practice bunker, two chipping greens, one putting green, and an array of golf equipment for hire. You can also request a golf caddy and the cleaning of your golf clubs.
One thing to note: At this golf club in Algarve, you’ll have to pay green fees. And if you are not a member of this golf club, you will only be allowed a game if you book your stay at the Dona Filipa Hotel, a five-star hotel that can be found nearby, or the four-star Formosa Park Apartment Hotel.
Alternatively, you could contact a golfing agency who could perhaps hook you up with a game.
5. Pine Cliffs Golf Course
Course Type: 9-hole golf course
Payment: £20 – £34 for full 9-holes
Time to Pine Cliffs Golf Course from Faro Airport: 32 minutes (35.2 km)
Accommodation near Pine Cliffs Golf Course: Pine Cliffs Golf Suites
This nine-hole golf course in Algarve can be found in the Albufeira region. It has a par of 33, and a game will cost you around £20 to £24.
Pine Cliffs Golf Course is extremely well-maintained and is basically situated on top of a cliff. It’s managed by Pine Cliffs Hotel, a luxury resort, and offers glorious views of the sandy beach and majestic pine trees.
Here, you can expect to play a fun yet somewhat challenging game of golf. In fact, its ninth hole is more commonly known as “Devils Parlour”. This is because it is played from a ravine that shows off sheer natural beauty.
This golf course in Algarve has a rating of 8.1/10 from users, with the majority awarding it five stars. If you decide to visit, you’ll have access to a driving range, a putting green, a chipping green, a pro shop, restaurants and bars, as well as a golf academy.
So, are you ready for a golf holiday of a lifetime? Enjoy one or more of these five best golf courses in Algarve and you’ll be rewarded with excellent facilities, great views, and lots of fun!